MICHAEL GAH

Gah cites not only his mother, but all modern African women, as his inspiration – his faceless (though no less personality-laden) subjects defy traditional ‘African expectations’. They are represented as thoroughly modern muses engaged in social and even romantic activities, that answer only to their own whims and certainly not to the stifling belief systems thrust upon them for eons. The poses are provocative in that they are a far cry from the head and shoulders ‘African Woman’ figurative work, so commonplace on the continent in 20th century art. Gah’s work also references social media and the modern day importance of Instagram reality and camera facing messaging.

The power in Gah’s portraits lies in the intentional tension between past and present and a suggestion that eradication of repressive expectations is inevitable and crucial. The use of traditional fabrics insists on the viewer’s mindfulness about outdated norms, while still appreciating the gifts and weight of the past.

First exhibition with Christopher Moller Gallery - 2022.

Text courtesy Christopher Moller Gallery.